Lemon Pepper Pasta with Shrimp

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lemon Pepper Pasta with Shrimp is a perfect blend of tangy citrus and savory spices, creating a refreshing and satisfying meal. The combination of tender shrimp and al dente pasta in a lemon-infused sauce makes it an ideal choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound linguine pasta
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 3½ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, divided
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
  • 1¼ cups heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest, plus more for garnish
  • 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Directions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook until al dente, about 9 to 13 minutes. Drain, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water.

  2. Sauté the Shrimp: While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp, season with ½ teaspoon of salt and 1½ teaspoons of black pepper. Cook until the shrimp turn pink and are opaque, about 2 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

  3. Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the heavy cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, and the remaining 2 teaspoons of black pepper. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, until it thickens slightly.

  4. Combine: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.

  5. Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and additional lemon zest. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

  • Protein Alternatives: Substitute shrimp with crab meat, scallops, or a combination of seafood for a different flavor profile.
  • Vegetarian Option: Replace seafood with sautéed vegetables like asparagus, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for a vegetarian version.
  • Spice Level: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute linguine with other pasta shapes like spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne.

2. How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking?

Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking can make them tough and rubbery.

3. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, ensure the shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture.

4. Is heavy cream necessary for the sauce?

Heavy cream provides a rich and creamy texture. For a lighter version, you can substitute with half-and-half or a combination of milk and a bit of flour to thicken.

5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best to prepare this dish fresh, as pasta can become mushy when reheated. However, you can prepare the sauce and cook the shrimp ahead of time, then combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.

6. How can I make the sauce spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce while it simmers.

7. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus can be added for extra flavor and nutrition. Sauté them along with the garlic before adding the cream.

8. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.

9. How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?

Shrimp turn pink and opaque when cooked. They should form a ‘C’ shape; if they curl into an ‘O’, they may be overcooked.

10. Can I freeze this dish?

It’s not recommended to freeze pasta dishes with cream-based sauces, as the sauce may separate upon reheating.

Conclusion

Lemon Pepper Pasta with Shrimp is a quick, flavorful, and versatile dish that brings a burst of citrus and spice to your table. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress with its fresh ingredients and delightful taste.

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Lemon Pepper Pasta with Shrimp

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  • Author: Isabella
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Gluten Free
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Description

Lemon Pepper Pasta with Shrimp is a zesty and savory dish featuring tender shrimp, fresh lemon zest, and a creamy sauce, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. This quick and flavorful pasta recipe combines the brightness of lemon with the richness of shrimp, ideal for weeknight dinners or special celebrations.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound linguine pasta
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 3½ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, divided
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
  • 1¼ cups heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest, plus more for garnish
  • 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta:
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook until al dente (9-13 minutes). Drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.

  2. Sauté the Shrimp:
    In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons butter and olive oil over medium heat. Season shrimp with salt and 1½ teaspoons black pepper. Cook shrimp for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Set aside.

  3. Prepare the Sauce:
    In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add heavy cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, and the remaining black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.

  4. Combine:
    Return shrimp to skillet. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat in the sauce. If too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually.

  5. Serve:
    Garnish with chopped parsley and extra lemon zest. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth.
  • Vegetarian Option: Substitute shrimp with sautéed vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes.
  • Spice Level: Add red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Pasta
  • Method: Sauté, Simmer
  • Cuisine: American

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